How to Implement IoMT in The Healthcare Sector?

What is IoMT and How is it Evolving?

Health IoT, also known as IoMT (Internet of Medical Things), is an innovative concept in the healthcare industry. It involves the interconnection of medical devices, wearables, sensors, and mobile applications that collect and exchange health data to improve patient outcomes and enhance healthcare delivery. IoMT’s usage is on the rise due to the convergence of advanced technologies, like AI and big data analytics, which enable real-time monitoring, personalized treatment plans, and efficient healthcare management.

The IoMT market is experiencing remarkable growth, projected to surge from $30.79 billion in 2021 to an impressive $187.60 billion in 2028. 

According to Accenture’s survey, around 62% of patients prefer virtual technology for health advice. IoMT’s efficacy in COVID-19 testing, tracking, and tracing has further highlighted its significance in healthcare. 

The rapid progress in the telecommunication sector has also significantly fueled the growth of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) industry. With the introduction of these advanced facilities, underdeveloped regions with limited communication capabilities now have access to improved network connectivity, enabling them to leverage the benefits of IoMT technology. Primarily, the collaboration between Google Cloud and AT&T to develop 5G edge computing solutions in March 2020 exemplifies the potential of such partnerships in further advancing IoMT proficiency.

Now that you know what IoMT is and how it’s evolving. Let’s shift our focus to the advantages contributed by this exceptional technology.  

Prime Advantages of IoMT in The Healthcare Sector

IoMT is transforming people’s lives by offering personalized and proactive healthcare solutions. For businesses, investing in IoMT offers a multitude of benefits like improved patient care and streamlined healthcare processes leading to higher efficiency and reduced operational costs. With that, let’s analyze some of its advantages:  

1. Remote Patient Monitoring 

As per fortune business insight, when giving a choice to patients, 57% of consumers are open to remote health monitoring via home devices. 

IoMT enables remote patient monitoring, a transformative healthcare practice where medical devices and wearables collect real-time health data from patients outside traditional healthcare settings. Through continuous tracking and analysis, healthcare providers can remotely monitor patients’ vital signs, chronic conditions, and medication adherence. 

For instance, glucose meters, heart rate, and blood pressure monitors are remarkable IoMT deceives.  

2. Smart Healthcare Devices 

Smart technology encompasses devices that leverage AI, internet connectivity, cloud integration, and advanced functionalities. IoMT technology offers a range of devices for healthcare providers and patients to enhance user experience. This includes: 

• Smart thermometers ensure accurate temperature monitoring, while connected inhalers help manage respiratory conditions. 
• ECG monitors and blood pressure monitors enable easy monitoring of cardiovascular health. 
• Biosensors, which track vital signs and health data. 

Embracing these devices empowers users with valuable health insights and promotes proactive healthcare management. 

3. Cost Reduction 

IoMT significantly controls and reduces healthcare costs through the use of various remote devices which eventually lower patient visits. By facilitating telemedicine and virtual consultations, it saves time and resources. Improved medication management leads to more effective healthcare interventions. 

4. Efficient Medical Data Collection 

IoMT streamlines medical data collection, making the process more efficient and accurate. This data can then be securely stored on Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for future reference, ensuring easy access by healthcare providers when needed. By leveraging IoMT and EHRs, healthcare organizations can improve data management and facilitate sharing of information among medical professionals. 

5. Ease of Access 

IoMT provides access to healthcare services and education at the fingertip, empowering patients with valuable health information. Through telehealth applications, patients can interact with doctors remotely, accessing medical consultations and advice conveniently.

IoMT’s accessibility revolutionizes healthcare, by which overlapping and delays in receiving health attention can be avoided. 

6. Global Assistance 

Through real-time data sharing and analysis, IoMT lifts healthcare providers to make informed decisions and provide timely interventions regardless of geographic barriers. This connectivity allows fast connectivity, logistics tracking, and other healthcare benefits.

What Are the Types of IoMT Devices for Remote Monitoring?

IoMT devices enable continuous remote monitoring of patients’ health conditions and healthcare professionals to detect early signs of health issues and initiate preventive measures. Mentioned below are the types of IoMT devices used for remote monitoring:

• In-Home IoMT

Healthcare devices and sensors are designed for use within the comfort of a patient’s home. For example, Medical Emergency Response Systems (MERS), also known as Medical Alert Systems, are essential devices that provide immediate assistance in emergencies by simply pushing a button and calling the emergency responders. 

Others are pulse oximeters that measure oxygen levels, sleep trackers that provide insights into sleep patterns, and medication dispensers that offer medication reminders for complex regimens. 

• Public IoMT

Public IoMT, also called community IoMT, is a revolutionary approach that extends healthcare solutions to remote and underserved medical settings. A good example of this is kiosks and vending machines that leverage connected devices to distribute medical products and services. 

• Wearable IoMT Devices

Wearable medical devices come in two main types: consumer wearables and clinical devices. Consumer wearables track the health of both patients and healthy individuals, with some offering a wider range of health metrics. For instance, Apple Watches can detect irregular heart pulsation. 

Clinical devices, on the other hand, focus on specialized health metrics and are mainly used for conditions like diabetes. These devices are directly connected to healthcare organizations and doctors, providing crucial warning signals about patients’ health. 

• In-Hospital IoMT

Tracking and managing interactions between hospital staff and patients is made easy with In-Hospital IoMT. These devices, like bedside stations, intelligent emergency systems, electronic bracelets, and body-signal collecting gadgets, play diverse roles within the hospital environment. Through IoMT solutions, healthcare facilities can enhance communication, and improve emergency response. 

How to Implement IoMT Technology in Healthcare Industry?

The Implementation of IoMT in Healthcare can bring drastic changes that will benefit both patients and healthcare providers. Let’s explore the given below steps for the successful integration of IoMT:

• Set Clear Objective

Define clear and achievable goals for the IoMT implementation, considering factors like patient engagement, cost savings, and improved efficiency. Identify specific areas in healthcare that can benefit from IoMT, such as remote patient monitoring, chronic disease management, or hospital equipment tracking.

• Choose the Right Devices 

Select suitable IoMT devices and wearables based on the identified needs and objectives. Ensure compatibility, security, and ease of integration with existing systems. Technological experts can help you make the right decision at such crucial stages.

• Ensure Data Security and Privacy

Establish a comprehensive data infrastructure that seamlessly collects, stores, and processes data from various sources. Implement robust security measures to safeguard patient data and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations like HIPAA. A well-designed data ecosystem enables organizations to gain valuable insights and make data-driven decisions.

• Integrate with Existing System 

After deciding everything, integrate IoMT devices with the hospital’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and other healthcare IT infrastructure for smooth functioning and better outcomes. Healthcare app development company can help with their experience to offload the burden and avoid failures during the process. 

• Train Staff and Patients 

Provide comprehensive training to healthcare staff and patients on effectively using and interpreting data from IoMT devices. Proper training ensures that both healthcare professionals and patients can maximize the benefits of IoMT in improving health outcomes. 

• Monitor and Evaluate

After implementing IoMT, continuous monitoring, and evaluation are essential to gauge its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. It is necessary to closely evaluate the performance of IoMT solutions, gather feedback and make necessary adjustments to optimize their impact on patient care.

Major Challenges to Overcome for Successfully Implementing IoMT 

Implementing IoMT in healthcare comes with various challenges. To overcome them, healthcare providers must take certain measures. Let’s evaluate the major challenges and how to overcome them in detail.

• Business and Infrastructure Cost  

The deployment of new devices, setting up the necessary network infrastructure, and training staff to operate require substantial financial investments, which can pose challenges for healthcare organizations. 

Consider adopting a phased approach to IoMT implementation, starting with pilot projects in specific departments or areas to assess the impact and benefits before scaling up. Collaborating with technology vendors and exploring cost-effective solutions can also help in minimizing expenses.

• Scalability: 

As the number of connected devices and data volume increases, healthcare organizations must ensure that their infrastructure can handle the growing demands without compromising performance and reliability. Scaling up the IoMT system to accommodate a larger patient population and expanding healthcare services can be complex and resource-intensive.

To overcome scalability challenges, healthcare providers should invest in a flexible and robust IT infrastructure that can easily accommodate additional devices and data. Cloud-based Solutions can offer scalability on demand, allowing organizations to scale up or down as needed.

• Data Accuracy

With a vast amount of data being generated and transmitted through connected devices, there is a risk of data inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or even data loss. Regular data audits and validation checks can help identify and rectify any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the data. 

Employing advanced data analytics and AI algorithms can assist in detecting anomalies and improving data accuracy. 

• Interoperability 

There is often a lack of standardization and compatibility, making it difficult for IoMT devices to communicate and exchange data fluently. 

To address the interoperability challenge, healthcare organizations should prioritize the adoption of industry standards and protocols that facilitate data exchange between IoMT devices and existing healthcare systems. Implementing Health Level 7 (HL7) standards, Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) frameworks can promote smooth data sharing across various devices and platforms. 

Collaboration with IOT Development Services and regulatory compliance fine line the entire process for successful IoMT implementation.

Use Cases that Are Transforming The Healthcare World

Businesses across the healthcare industry have embraced the transformative power of IoMT and are reaping its benefits. Let’s throw some light on the illustrations mentioned below:

1. Ge Healthcare

A subsidiary of General Electric, GE Healthcare is a leading global provider of medical technologies and solutions. With a focus on advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes, GE Healthcare offers a wide range of innovative products and services, including medical imaging, monitoring and diagnostics, and healthcare IT solutions. Through the integration of connected sensors and data analytics, their imaging devices can capture and transmit patient data in real time. 

2. DexCom

Dexcom is a leading medical device company specializing in continuous glucose monitoring systems for people with diabetes.  

The Dexcom G7 CGM system consists of a small wearable sensor and a transmitter. The sensor is inserted just beneath the skin, where it measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The data is then transmitted wirelessly to a compatible device like a smartphone or receiver, providing real-time readings, trends, and alerts. 

3. Cerner Corporation

Cerner Corporation is a global healthcare information technology company that provides a wide range of solutions and services to healthcare organizations. They specialize in electronic health records (EHR), health information exchange, population health management, revenue cycle management, and other healthcare IT solutions. 

Take the Leap with Apptunix for Reaching New Heights

The healthcare industry is witnessing a significant transformation with the advent of innovative technologies like the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). The profound nature of healthcare services demands cutting-edge solutions to provide better care and treatment. IoMT offers improved diagnostics that revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered. As the future of healthcare unfolds, embracing IoMT and other advanced technologies is crucial for delivering efficient and precise medical care.

With this pioneering technology, Apptunix can help in implementing the IoMT in a safe and secure healthcare ecosystem that cultivates thriving opportunities. Our extensive knowledge and experience have assisted numerous businesses in reaching the pinnacle of success.

Join hands with us to lead the path of the healthcare segment and rebuilt the way you deliver healthcare app development services. Together, we can make a positive impact and shape the future of this world.